Student Employment
Job Descriptions
Before you apply, please review carefully the information for each position and verify
your eligibility for on-campus student employment by reviewing the requirements listed
on the work-study and/or non work-study student employment websites.
All WaLC positions are searchable on , or you can click the links included in the job descriptions below. For assistance,
please see these instructions for searching for student positions using


Each year, the Writing and Learning Commons employs approximately 100 course tutors to facilitate small-group sessions in subjects ranging from accounting to dance to physics. Tutoring is an excellent way to reinforce what you've learned in your courses, develop leadership and communication skills, and meet new people in your program of study. Tutors at the WaLC start at $14.00 per hour and can earn up to $16.00 per hour with training and continued service. &Բ;
Here’s what the position involves:
- Small-group, appointment-based tutoring
- Flexibility to set your own schedule
- Options to tutor in person or online via Zoom
- Regular communication with course instructors
- Opportunity to earn lifetime tutor certification through the &Բ;
Before you apply, please review the job description carefully and verify your eligibility for on-campus student employment by reviewing the requirements listed on the student employment website.
To apply:
- Review the WaLC’s Tips for Preparing Your Application and use this experience as an opportunity to establish your professional network with professors.
- Complete the ()
- Secure at least one faculty recommendation for each course you are applying to tutor. Be sure to specify to your recommenders which position you are applying for and send them the link to complete the WaLC’s online recommendation form.
- If you are applying to tutor two or more courses, you will need at least one recommendation from a ĢƵprofessor who teaches each of the classes you are applying to tutor. If your previous professor is no longer at WCU, you may request a recommendation from a different professor in the department who can evaluate your knowledge of the subject.
- If you are a transfer student applying to tutor a course you completed elsewhere, you will need to speak with a WCU professor who teaches the equivalent course to determine if your transfer credit is sufficient to tutor the course at WCU. &Բ;
Hiring Timeline:
Review of applicants begins on April 1 for summer and fall hiring; review of applicants
begins on November 1 for spring hiring. Preference will be given to applicants who
have submitted all parts of the application (including faculty recommendations) in
accordance with these timelines. The WaLC strives to complete the hiring process for
all course tutors by the end of the drop/add period each semester.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
Knowledge of the course content (as demonstrated by a successful grade in the course
and accompanying faculty recommendation); ability to convey information to other students
in a variety of ways; effective communication, organization, and study skills. Ability
to work with multiple professors and adapt tutoring strategies based on specific professors’
expectations for student learning. Willingness and ability to promote the WaLC’s services
to classes and professors.
WaLC course tutors facilitate small-group review sessions for specific courses, assist students with developing effective study and self-management skills, and act as a liaison between students and faculty. Specific responsibilities of the position include:
Facilitate Learning
- Conduct small-group tutoring sessions in which each student is actively involved in exploring and learning the material.
- Review course concepts, provide alternate explanations, and offer multiple strategies for reviewing and reinforcing information.
- Model effective organization and study strategies.
- Encourage students to do most of the talking and writing in your tutoring sessions.
- Help students to identify resources and to develop problem-solving strategies they can use when studying on their own.
Act as a Liaison between Students and Instructors
- Communicate with course instructors to learn what they expect of students in their courses and what they expect of you as the tutor.
- Work with other tutors and with instructors to ensure that a tutor visits each class to advertise the WaLC’s services.
- Encourage students to communicate with their instructors outside of class about their progress and any questions they have about the material.
Demonstrate Professional and Ethical Behavior
- Act in accordance withnthe WaLC's Code of Ethics
- Comply with and enforce the WaLC’s Policies for Students
- Report to tutoring sessions on time and avoid canceling appointments.
- Manage your tutoring schedule in Navigate and maintain a consistent number of tutoring hours for the duration of the semester.
- Establish appropriate boundaries with the students you serve. Notify your supervisor immediately if you are unable to do so.
- Respond to students within the limits of your training, position, and expertise. Tutors are not expected to re-lecture course material, to complete students’ homework for them, to suggest a grade for an assignment discussed in the tutoring session, or to engage in negative talk about an instructor’s teaching methods, grading policies, assignments, or personality. Additionally, tutors are not expected to provide mental health counseling, academic advising, or crisis intervention services.
- Model successful student behavior when questions arise that you are not able to answer. Help students identify other resources that can help them answer their questions (e.g., the course instructor, textbook, or other students).
- Clean up your area at the conclusion of each tutoring session: wipe down whiteboards and tables, throw away trash, and return any borrowed WaLC materials to their appropriate places.
Participate in Tutor Training
- Enroll in USI 202 (Introduction to Peer Tutoring) during your first year of employment (preferably in your first semester). Successful completion of USI 202 and 25 hours of actual tutoring time will qualify you for &Բ;Tutor Certification through the College Reading and Learning Association and a $.50/hour pay increase. (See also “other conditions of employment” below).
- Read all assigned training materials/manuals.
- Complete assigned onboarding tasks during your first two weeks of work. Onboarding may include meeting with a mentor or completing training modules in Canvas.
- Attend the WaLC’s annual Peer Education and Leadership Conference in the fall semester.
- Refer to training materials/manuals as needed to complete tasks associated with your position (e.g., submitting your timesheet, managing your schedule in Navigate).
Fulfill Administrative Responsibilities
- Accurately record work hours on your myĢƵtimesheet every week and submit your timesheet every other week.
- Check your catamount email regularly and respond promptly to communications from the WaLC.
- Submit appointment summaries in Navigate each week. Reports are due no later than 8:00 am on the Monday following each appointment.
Minimum Qualifications
Completed employment application, including personal statement. At least one recommendation from a ĢƵprofessor. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for non-work study student employment, which includes meeting the required number of enrolled credit hours each semester. Additionally, WaLC employees are required to maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA to remain employed.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants who have the ability (along with supporting
faculty recommendations) to tutor multiple classes or to fulfill multiple roles (e.g.,
course tutor and writing fellow, or course tutor and world language conversation assistant).
Preference is also given to applicants who can commit to the position for at least
two semesters.
Review of applicants begins on April 1 for summer and fall hiring; review of applicants begins on November 1 for spring hiring. Preference will be given to applicants who have submitted all parts of the employment application (including faculty recommendations) in accordance with these timelines.
Other conditions of employment
The WaLC’s ability to hire course tutors is contingent upon supply and demand, program
funding, and faculty approval and support. The WaLC does not guarantee follow-up with
all applicants; applicants will be contacted only if there is a position available
that matches their qualifications.
&Բ;
ĢƵ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call 828.227.7218 or email at jobs@wcu.edu.
Am I eligible to be a Writing Fellow?
Writing fellows are organized, self-motivated, kind, intelligent, and flexible. Fellows also tend to have excellent writing skills and an interest in helping others, and we prefer that students commit to the program for at least one full academic year. Do you sacrifice sleep to help your friends revise their papers before a big deadline? Do you find yourself grumbling about typos in the newspaper? If so, you should probably .
Do I have to be an expert in a specific subject? Do I have to be a perfect writer?
Writing fellows are NOT perfect writers—there is no such thing. Fellows are good writers who want to improve their skills and encourage their peers. Part of being a successful writing fellow is knowing what a challenge it is to write in a new genre and sympathizing with students who are still learning the process.
What do Writing Fellows do?
Writing fellows are carefully selected and trained peer tutors who provide support for styles of writing that challenge students new to the field. Examples of genres writing fellows can be selected for include lab reports, screenplays, treatment plans, SOAP notes, technical writing, and program notes.
Students from any class and at any point in their writing process may make 30-minute to one-hour appointments with writing fellows. Faculty who assign writing in a genre covered by these fellows are encouraged to communicate with the tutors and send assignments and examples to help the tutors make good use of their time in sessions.
Additional duties include classroom visits, staff meetings, and regular meetings with faculty members. Fellows collaborate with the Writing and Learning Commons' director, associate director, faculty, and other fellows.
New fellows are required to take USI 202 during their first semester; this is a one-credit training course that help fellows learn how to improve their own writing skills and give positive, helpful feedback to students.
How and when should I apply?
New fellows begin work in the fall and the spring, so you should apply no later than the week before classes start for either semester. Here is the .
How many hours do I work? How much does it pay?
Your work hours are set up very much like WaLC course tutors’. You create availabilities in our scheduling system, and if a student makes an appointment, you come to work and get paid. You choose your own hours and set up as much availability as you want. You can create more business for yourself by marketing to professors and students.
The hourly pay rate starts at $14.00 but may increase with longevity and trainings such as taking additional USI tutor-training courses.
Is this a work study job?
You do NOT need to be work study to be a Fellow, but work study is accepted if you have it.
ĢƵ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call 828.227.7218 or email at jobs@wcu.edu.
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a voluntary academic support service that utilizes peer-led group study sessions. SI sessions are designed for all students and are facilitated by SI Leaders, successful students who have demonstrated effective academic strategies and who have the desire and skills necessary to guide other students in developing similar strategies. The SI Leader promotes collaborative, active learning by facilitating group study strategies and collaborative study techniques specific to the course.
Each week, SI Leaders offer at least three regularly scheduled SI sessions in designated classrooms. During a typical SI session, students compare and clarify lecture notes, review textbook readings, work through practice problems, and discuss key course concepts.
Before you apply, please review the job description carefully and verify your eligibility for on-campus student employment by reviewing the requirements listed on the student employment website. &Բ;
To apply: &Բ;
Review the WaLC’s Tips for Preparing Your Application and use this experience as an opportunity to establish your professional network with professors.
Complete the ()
Secure at least two faculty recommendations from ĢƵprofessors. One recommendation must come from the instructor of the course you wish to be an SI leader for. Your recommenders should be professors who know you well and can comment on your fit for a Supplemental Instruction Leader position. Your application will not be reviewed until both recommendations are on file.
Hiring Timeline:
Review of applicants begins on April 15 for fall hiring; review of applicants begins
on November 15 for spring hiring. Preference will be given to applicants who have submitted all
parts of the application (including faculty recommendations) in accordance with these
timelines. The WaLC strives to complete the hiring process for all SI Leaders by August
1 for the Fall semester, and by January 1st for the Spring semester.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position:
Proficient knowledge of course content as demonstrated by successful completion of the course (with preference given to those who earned A’s in the course) and accompanying faculty recommendation; ability to facilitate collaborative learning and convey information to other students in a variety of ways; effective communication, organization, leadership, and study skills. Ability to foster welcoming, inclusive, and student-centered learning environments that encourage participation, help-seeking, and peer collaboration.
Ability to work with assigned course professor and adapt facilitation strategies based on specific instructors’ expectations for student learning. Willingness and ability to promote the WaLC’s services and the SI program to classes and professors. Ability to model professionalism, effective learning strategies, and positive academic behaviors for students in historically challenging and high-impact gateway courses.
SI Leader Job Description:
Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders are peer educators in the Writing and Learning Commons (WaLC) who support student success in historically challenging and high-impact gateway courses through collaborative learning and peer-led academic support. SI Leaders attend class alongside students, partner closely with faculty, and facilitate engaging SI sessions that help students strengthen course understanding, develop effective learning strategies, and build confidence as learners.
Through their consistent presence in the classroom, SI Leaders become familiar and approachable academic supports who help foster connection, collaboration, and a culture of help-seeking among students. SI sessions are designed to create welcoming, low-pressure environments where students can ask questions, practice concepts, and learn alongside their peers. SI Leaders do not re-lecture course material or complete coursework for students. Instead, they guide students through discussion, problem-solving, practice, and collaborative learning.
This role is ideal for students interested in leadership, teaching, mentoring, healthcare professions, education, communication, graduate school, or other helping professions.
Specific responsibilities of the position include:
Facilitate Learning
- Conduct two collaborative, hour-long SI sessions a week in which students are actively involved in discussing, practicing, and applying course concepts through evidence-based learning strategies, rather than re-lecturing course material. Hold one open office hour a week for students.
- Attend class alongside students and model effective study strategies, organization, time management, and academic habits.
- Encourage students to take an active role in their own learning and to develop problem-solving strategies they can apply independently.
- Help students identify campus resources and additional support services when appropriate.
- Supplemental Instruction Leaders are peer facilitators, not teaching assistants or graders. SI Leaders do not re-lecture course material, grade assignments, complete coursework for students, or replace communication with course instructors. Instead, they help students learn collaboratively by facilitating structured peer learning experiences connected to the course.
Act as a Liaison between Students and Instructors
- Communicate regularly with course instructor(s) to understand course expectations, student challenges, and upcoming course content.
- Maintain a visible and supportive presence within the classroom environment by attending assigned class meetings regularly.
- Work collaboratively with instructors and WaLC staff to promote SI services to students.
- Encourage students to communicate with instructors outside of class regarding course questions, progress, and academic concerns.
- Demonstrate Professional and Ethical Behavior
- Act in accordance with the WaLC's Code of Ethics
- Comply with and enforce the WaLC’s Policies for Students
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students and communicate respectfully with faculty, staff, and peers.
- Respond to students within the limits of your training and role. SI Leaders are not expected to complete coursework for students, suggest grades, or engage in negative discussions about instructors, course policies, or assignments. Additionally, SI Leaders are not expected to provide mental health counseling, academic advising, or crisis intervention services.
- Model professionalism, empathy, leadership, and positive academic behaviors when responding to questions or challenges.
- Arrive on time for classes, SI sessions, meetings, and other assigned responsibilities.
- Maintain communication with supervisors and notify the SI Coordinator promptly regarding scheduling, absences, or concerns about students.
- Return any classroom spaces to the condition in which you found them, including maintaining clean, organized, and welcoming learning spaces.
Participate in SI Training and Professional Development
- Complete assigned onboarding tasks during your first two weeks of work. Onboarding may include meeting with a mentor or completing training modules in Canvas.
- Attend the SI Leader pre-term training, usually held the Thursday and Friday before the first day of Fall semester.
- Attend the WaLC’s annual Peer Education and Leadership Conference in the fall semester.
- Refer to training materials/manuals as needed to complete tasks associated with your position (e.g., submitting your timesheet, managing your schedule in Navigate). Complete required pre-semester SI training prior to the beginning of classes.
- Attend weekly SI meetings and professional development sessions throughout the semester.
- Participate in ongoing training related to facilitation, inclusive peer education, leadership development, communication, and learning strategies.
- Returning SI Leaders may have opportunities to mentor new SI Leaders, assist with training initiatives, or support outreach and program development efforts.
Fulfill Administrative Responsibilities
- Accurately record work hours on your myĢƵtimesheet every week and submit your timesheet on time every other week.
- Check your catamount email regularly and respond promptly to communications from the WaLC.
- Maintain accurate attendance and session records in Navigate and complete required reports/documentation by established deadlines.
- Assist with outreach and promotion of SI services throughout the semester.
Minimum Qualifications:
Completed employment application, including all supplemental application questions. Recommendations from two ĢƵprofessors, including one from the instructor for the course the applicant wishes to support. Applicants should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, dependability, professionalism, and a willingness to participate in training and ongoing professional development.
Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for non-work study student employment, which includes meeting the required number of enrolled credit hours each semester. Additionally, WaLC employees are required to maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA to remain employed.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preference may be given to applicants who demonstrate leadership potential, strong communication skills, interest in mentoring or education-related professions, and commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments. Preference may also be given to applicants who can reasonably commit to serving in this role for a full academic year and those interested in advancing into mentorship or leadership roles.
Review of applications begins on April 15 for fall hiring and on November 15 for spring hiring. Preference will be given to applicants who have submitted all application materials, including faculty recommendations, by these priority review dates.
Returning SI Leaders may have opportunities for advancement into mentor or leadership roles that support training, outreach, and program development.
Other conditions of employment:
The Writing and Learning Commons provides Supplemental Instruction support for historically challenging and gateway courses approved by the SI Coordinator and participating faculty members. SI sessions are conducted as scheduled group learning sessions, and assignment availability may vary by semester based on institutional need, course participation, and enrollment. The WaLC’s ability to hire SI Leaders is contingent upon supply and demand, program funding, and faculty approval and support. The WaLC does not guarantee follow-up with all applicants; applicants will be contacted only if there is a position available that matches their qualifications.
SI Leaders typically work approximately 10-12 hours per week, including attending assigned class lectures, planning and facilitating two SI sessions a week, holding one open office hour a week, participating in training and meetings, communicating with instructors, and completing administrative responsibilities.
SI Leaders are required to complete all required SI training and onboarding processes prior to and during employment.
Long-term involvement in the SI program may provide opportunities for advancement into mentor or leadership roles, additional peer educator responsibilities within the WaLC, and expanded professional development opportunities.
ĢƵ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call 828.227.7218 or email at jobs@wcu.edu.
Office assistants play an integral role in the efficient functioning of the Writing and Learning Commons (WaLC). Students who are chosen to work as office assistants have an opportunity to develop and to practice communication, organization, time management, and other professional skills that will benefit them in life beyond college.
If you are interested in applying to work as an office assistant, please review carefully the following job description. An applicant's signature on the indicates their agreement to carry out these responsibilities.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
- Work with a team of other office assistants to provide excellent customer service and seamless coverage for the WaLC's front desk.
- Maintain a friendly and helpful attitude while greeting and assisting all WaLC visitors.
- Use the Navigate scheduling system to schedule and cancel tutoring appointments.
- Provide timely, courteous notifications to tutors when changes need to be made to scheduled appointments using Navigate to contact them.
- Answer the phone and take detailed messages from callers and visitors.
- Adhere to a regular work schedule. Arrive to work on time and communicate with supervisor and with co-workers if a schedule change needs to be made.
- Maintain confidential student information.
- Monitor students’ use of WaLC resources.
- Be knowledgeable about the operations of the Mathematics Tutoring Center in order to provide information to visitors.
- Perform opening duties if working 8:00 am.
- Perform closing duties if working until 9:00 pm.
- Help to keep the WaLC clean and uncluttered (i.e. cleaning table and boards in Belk 207 and Belk 210 tutoring space)
- Uphold the WaLC's Code of Ethics.
- Comply with and enforce the WaLC’s policies for students.
Participate in Office Assistant Training
- Complete assigned onboarding tasks during your first two weeks of work. Onboarding may include meeting with a mentor or completing training modules in Canvas.
- Attend the WaLC’s annual Peer Education and Leadership Conference in the fall semester.
- Refer to training materials/manuals as needed to complete tasks associated with your position (e.g., submitting your timesheet, scheduling in Navigate).
Fulfill Administrative Responsibilities
- Accurately record work hours on your myĢƵtimesheet every week and submit your timesheet every other week.
- Check your catamount email regularly and respond promptly to communications from the WaLC.
- Respond within 12 hours to work-related phone calls.
Minimum Qualifications
In order to be eligible for an office assistant position in the WaLC:
- Applicants must be approved for a work-study allocation from the Financial Aid Office.
- Maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA during their employment.
- Be available to work daytime (i.e. 8:00 am – 5:00 pm) and evening hours (i.e. 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm).
ĢƵ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity;
religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national
origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard
or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations,
and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with
disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please
call 828.227.7218 or email at jobs@wcu.edu. &Բ;